Jan Pogorzelec (Rice) PSSD Trustee Candidate - Subdivision Six (Moose Jaw)
I am pleased to answer the questions you posed to all candidates running for the upcoming elections for the Prairie South Board of Education. I am unknown to many voters in the Moose Jaw subdivision, so appreciate the opportunity to be profiled.
1. Why have you chosen to run for a school board trustee?
I recently returned to the Moose Jaw area after a 35-year career in Education. I am passionate about education and would like to be involved in supporting and continuing to influence the learning opportunities for students within the Prairie South School Division. There are many complicating factors facing education and feel that because of my Educational background, I can help navigate in these turbulent times.
2. What qualifications do you bring to the board if elected - these may include degrees etc. but also life lessons as well?
A successful and rewarding 35-year career in Education.
I served as:
Classroom Teacher - supporting students from Kindergarten through Grade 12
Principal for 10 years
Pioneer - Established and designed a unique program for at-risk youth
Division Coordinator for Curriculum and Special Education
Director of Prairie West School Division
After amalgamation, Superintendent of Special Education/Inclusive Education and Superintendent of Schools
Education
Bachelor of Educaion
Extended Studies Diploma - Special/Inclusive Education
Masters of Arts in Educational Administrational Leadership
3. Why should people vote for you?
I believe that I would be an asset to the Prairie South Board of Education because of my background and commitment to students regarding equitable education for ALL.
I am a caring, compassionate individual who aspire to see success for all learners.
I am open, honest and support transparent communication.
4. What do you see as the biggest challenge in education today?
The underfunding of education is a very large issue for the province. Due to the provincial funding being centralized I am concerned that the money is not funnelled into the locations that are currently in most need.
I also see that the Re-Opening Education plans, after the Covid shut down, are concerning to all involved. Everyone is aspiring to keep the safety of students and staff in the fore front of any and all decisions.
5. Schools are changing with a very diverse student body - such as those of different races, languages, cultures, disabilities, sexual orientation, varying faiths and economic standing - how would you make the school system better so that everyone had not just the same opportunity but a fair and equitable opportunity to reach their full potential?
Our schools are very diverse and our first mandate is to educate students using the Saskatchewan Curriculum. This needs to be done in a caring, compassionate, respectful way which is equitable to the students. We need to ensure that staff are educated on the diverse student body and are equipped to best meet individual needs. There needs to be the delivery of curriculum to students and awareness of their unique learning and personal needs.
I would work as a team with the Board of Education Trustees and the School Administration to ensure that professional development and the funding that goes along with that is in place to support school staff in supporting these unique learners.
6. What role do you see a school trustee playing in today's educational system?
I believe that trustees advocate for appropriate funding with our partners - Saskatchewan School Based Association.
Supporting the Director of Education to profile the needs of the Division with the Saskatchewan Provincial Leadership Team
I support the Board of Education to ensure that policies are developed and in place to ensure the smooth operation of the School Division.
7. As a trustee you are elected in a specified district but in reality you are a trustee at large and represent students throughout the division. Can you tell me if you are a rural trustee how would you represent an urban resident or on the other side of the coin if you are an urban trustee how would you represent a rural resident?
Learning for ALL is crucial and having equitable opportunity for students is something that I would aspire too. I understand that educating students in the rural areas costs more and we certainly need to be prepared and understand that. We need to profile this with the Government so they understand and do not lose sight of the costs associated with this. As a trustee we represent all students throughout the division and any decision that I am involved in will always have the students' best interest as a priority.
8. Moose Jaw is in the midst of building a new school on South Hill. Although it is a big accomplishment there has been concerns raised by some residents on various issues regarding the new school. Can you tell me how would you work with the community to ally those fears?
Before responding and potentially duplicating things I would like to explore what has been done by the Board of Education to address the concerns. However, I truly believe that giving people a chance to voice issues and concerns are important. I would potentially suggest establishing a focus group or sub-committee which could receive concerns, adequately research these concerns and provide feedback to the general public.
I would see the Board speaking to these issues and potentially drafting a written response. As a trustee an important role is to listen to the people we represent and taking time to understand all points of view.
9. What would you like the students to say about their time at school?
"It was the best time of my life.
I felt safe and cared for in my school.
I have the confidence to move on to the next chapter of my life with confidence.”